scholarly journals Pathways to Local Partnerships in a Semi-Rural Setting: A Qualitative Study of Community Engagement and Employer-Supported Volunteering in Small and Medium Enterprises and Local Nonprofits

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Myriam Gagnon ◽  
Myriam Beaudry ◽  
Louise Lemyre ◽  
Alexandra Guay-Charette
Keyword(s):  
Community Engagement ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Integrated System ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Small Enterprises ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Inclusive Approach ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Local Partnerships ◽  
Petites Entreprises

There remains a knowledge gap regarding the factors that drive the development of business-nonprofit partnerships in the context of employer-supported volunteering—especially in small and medium enterprises. Furthermore, there is a need to consider how enterprises operate in their cultural contexts to better understand how they support volunteering trends in Canada. This study aimed to improve understanding of the multi-level factors that foster the development of business-nonprofit partnerships in the context of employer-supported volunteering. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with community and small business actors in a semi-rural setting in Francophone Québec. Results challenged the traditional view of volunteer support as a distinct activity, showing an integrated system of inter-dependence. Results suggest the relevance of conceptualizing small enterprises’ support of volunteering as part of an inclusive approach to community engagement. RÉSUMÉLes facteurs liés au développement de partenariats entre entreprises et OBNL dans le contexte du bénévolat appuyé par l’employeur sont méconnus – particulièrement au sein des petites et moyennes entreprises. Il est également pertinent de considérer le contexte culturel pour mieux comprendre les tendances canadiennes du bénévolat appuyé par l’employeur. Cette étude vise l’obtention d’une meilleure compréhension des facteurs multiniveaux associés au développement de partenariats entreprises-OBNL dans le contexte du soutien au bénévolat. Quinze entretiens semistructurés ont été effectués auprès d’acteurs du secteur communautaire et des petites entreprises dans un milieu semi-rural francophone-québécois. Les résultats repositionnent la notion d’activités distinctes et témoignent plutôt d’un système intégré d’interdépendances. Les résultats suggèrent de conceptualiser le soutien au bénévolat des petites entreprises au sein d’une approche inclusive d’engagement communautaire.

Revisiting presenteeism to broaden its conceptualization: A qualitative study

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Mouna Knani ◽  
Pierre-Sébastien Fournier ◽  
Caroline Biron
Keyword(s):  
Work Environment ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Small Enterprises ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Holistic Interpretation ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Negative Factors

BACKGROUND: Presenteeism is generally viewed as a symptom of organizational or individual dysfunction and is rarely considered as a behavioral response to positive triggering factors. Our study examines this issue in small enterprises (SEs), which are an unexplored environment in terms of presenteeism. OBJECTIVE: Through in-depth analysis, this study aims to understand the positive and negative factors that impact presenteeism in the context of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with a particular focus on SEs. METHODS: We adopt a qualitative methodological approach in which we conducted 17 semi-structured interviews with employees and owner-managers of SEs with between 20 and 49 employees. RESULTS: Our thematic analysis shows that presenteeism can be explained by factors related to pressure to attend work, by individuals’ constraints and commitment, by organizational and individual characteristics and by a congenial work environment. Presenteeism can also be a type of “therapy” which helps individuals to avoid focusing on being sick and enables them to stay active and avoid social isolation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study differs from earlier research by providing a more in-depth analysis of the positive and negative factors that trigger presenteeism. This article will help to expand the current theoretical knowledge about presenteeism and encourage a more holistic interpretation of the phenomenon.

Analysis of Major Problems Faced by Small Firms in North India

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 150-160
Author(s):  
Davinder Singh ◽  
Jaimal Singh Khamba ◽  
Tarun Nanda
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Small Firms ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
North India ◽  
Small Enterprises ◽  
Employment Generation ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have been noted to play a significant role in promoting economic growth in less developed countries, developing and also in developed countries. Worldwide, the micro and small enterprises have been accepted as the engine of economic growth of any nation. Small and Medium Enterprises are the backbone of the economies, because it trigger employment, output, export, poverty alleviation, economic empowerment, economic development etc. in developed as well as in developing countries. It is more important to developing countries as the poverty and unemployment are burning problems. MSMEs have been playing a momentous role in overall economic development of a country like India where millions of people are unemployed or underemployed. Therefore, the growth of small sectors is essential for the growth in the GDP, employment generation, total manufacturing production and export. India, being one of the fastest growing economies of the world, needs to pay an honest attention for the utmost growth of MSMEs for its increased contribution in above areas.

scholarly journals The Innovation Type and Strategy Implemented by Chinese SMEs: Case Study of Manufacturing Industry in Shanghai

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 907-915
Author(s):  
Khaled Mohammed Alqahtani
Keyword(s):  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Organizational Innovation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Innovation Strategy ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cluster Strategy ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Social Wealth ◽  
Innovation Type

In China, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in economic development and social wealth in terms of GDP growth, employment creation and poverty alleviation. In the age of technology and information, innovation has been regarded as one of the most significant drivers for the growth and prosperity of SMEs. Therefore, it is necessary for SMEs to implement innovation strategy, which would help them to initiate new products, adopt new processes and increase their competitiveness. From this point of view, this study attempts to identify the innovation situation of Chinese SMEs with regard to innovation type as well as innovation strategy. The research data is collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews from SMEs of manufacturing industry in Shanghai, China. According to the data results, process innovation and marketing innovation are adopted more frequently than product innovation and organizational innovation by Chinese SMEs. This study also demonstrates most SMEs in China implement free-riding strategy; some of them adopt niche strategy; and few SMEs practice cluster strategy. Although innovation is increasingly important for Chinese SMEs, their implementation of innovation strategy is not highly effective and successful.

scholarly journals The Development of Digital in the Covid-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Digna R. Nahak
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Asian Development Bank ◽  
Small Enterprises ◽  
Domestic Economy ◽  
Development Bank ◽  
Micro And Small Enterprises ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The Impact

The global Covid-19 pandemic that has plagued all countries of the world has affect all sectors of people's lives. In Indonesia, almost all sectors experience impacts, especially the economic ecosystem which has been become the focus of society. Furthermore, the Covid-19 pandemic has made the slowdown in the economic sector in Indonesia with its various derivatives. The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector which is part of the most important sector of the economy is very important feel. This is what worried by all parties, because it has made the MSME sector experienced a significant decline. Moreover, currently many MSMEs are experiencing various problems such as: decrease in sales, capital, hampered distribution, difficulty in raw materials, decreased production and the occurrence of many layoffs for workers and hunting which later became a threat to the national economy. MSMEs as a driver of the domestic economy and a middle labor absorber face a decline in productivity which results in a decrease in profits significant. Even based on the related Asian Development Bank (ADB) survey, the impact of the pandemic on MSMEs in Indonesia, 88% of micro businesses run out of cash or savings, and more than 60% of these micro and small enterprises have reduced their workforce work.

scholarly journals Connecting Inward and Outward Internationalisation of Malaysian SMEs: A Learning Approach

2018 ◽  
pp. 264-275
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Explicit Knowledge ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Supplier Relationships ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Relationship

When SMEs are part of global value chain, the flows of information in cross-border buyer-supplier relationships which emerge from inward-outward internationalisation connections should be addressed. This study therefore investigates the learning processes of internationalising small and medium enterprises that engage in inward and outward internationalisation. Hence, this study adopts a qualitative case study approach based on ten cases of the internationalising SMEs in Malaysia. Semi-structured interviews with the Managing Directors of the selected SMEs were conducted over a two-year period. Additionally, participant observations were conducted by attending the meetings related to import-export activities and documentations were gathered for data triangulation Findings of this study highlights that the relationship with key foreign suppliers empowered case firms to connect inward to outward internationalisation through collaborative knowledge sharing. The distribution of knowledge through tacit-tacit and tacit-explicit knowledge sharing underpinned by formal planning was a prerequisite for inward-outward internationalisation connections to be established.

scholarly journals THE IMPACT AND THE ROLE OF THE SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES ON THE EMPLOYMENT IN THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-110
Author(s):  
Snezana Bardarova ◽  
Marija Magdincheva-Shopova ◽  
Monika Markovska ◽  
Bozhidar Milenkovski
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Small Enterprise ◽  
Small Enterprises ◽  
Republic Of Macedonia ◽  
Area Of Interest ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
The Impact

Current developments in the global and national economics point to a number of problems faced by real entities in the real sector, and as a special area of interest for the scientific public there is a need to provide conditions for the smooth running of the reproduction processes in the enterprise and the realization the positive results of the operation. Enterprises are drivers of inclusive economic growth in the Republic of Macedonia and in creating productive and sustainable jobs.The new conception of the small enterprise as a carrier and engine of economic development is quite persuasive with its economic logic and reaffirms the small enterprise as a significant economic sector. The activities within the small enterprises are aimed at intensifying the results of the work by achieving a balance between objective possibilities and good working principles. The monitoring of the small enterprise, through the prism of its influence on economic growth and development, rejects the traditional view for small enterprises as security guards.The SME sector is a driver of inclusive economic growth in Macedonia and the creation of sustainable jobs increasing productivity. It also does not agree with the notion that small enterprises are economically inefficient organisms.With the third technological revolution in the countries with a developed market economy, the domination of the so-called. small economy, that is, the sector of small and medium enterprises. Today, small enterprises have a growing number of supporters who believe that small enterprises are carriers of innovation and entrepreneurship and are able to react quickly to changes in the environment. For years, the Republic of Macedonia has faced a high rate (29%, June 2013) of general unemployment, which remains a key challenge for stabilizing the economic and social development of the country. The subject of research in this paper is focused on conducting analysis of the active enterprises in the Republic of Macedonia by size, by sector and by number of employees, as well as analysis of the activity of the population and employment by sectors and by type of ownership of the enterprise in the period from 2013-2017.

scholarly journals Innovative Social Media Marketing Communication Application for Thai Hotel SMEs

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (16) ◽  
pp. 150
Author(s):  
Torboon Puangmaha ◽  
Tatri Taiphapoon ◽  
Pakpachong Vadhanasindhu ◽  
Sukree Sinthupinyo
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Design Thinking ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Social Media Marketing ◽  
Design And Technology ◽  
Marketing Communication ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Application Development ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Industry Professionals

<p class="0abstract">Social media marketing communication has been widely adopted in organizations due to its values of interactivity, integration of communication channels, information collection and immediacy.  Nevertheless, a majority of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) do not realize how to systematically and effectively implement social media marketing communication.  In addition, few studies on application development of social media marketing communication have demonstrated the support for Thai hotel SMEs. This study aims to understand the pain points and expectations of SMEs in the Thai hotel industry, to design and develop an innovative social media marketing communication application for business promotion. The research utilizes design thinking process for application development using semi-structured interviews with 10 industry professionals. Based on results from the data analysis and conceptual prototype design, validated by group of professionals in business, innovation design and technology, the proposed prototype is practical and suitable for developing an innovative application that promotes Thai hotel SMEs’ social media marketing communication.</p>

scholarly journals The status of strategic planning in Small and Medium Enterprises: Priority of afterthought?

2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corrinne Thompson ◽  
Maria Bounds ◽  
Geoff Goldman
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Strategy Formulation ◽  
Strategy Formation ◽  
The Status ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Medium Businesses ◽  
Medium Enterprises

<p>Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are faced will many challenges, and the development of a sound strategy for the SME could define how these challenges are met which, in turn, could mean the difference between success or failure of the enterprise. If a sound strategy is major contributing factor to the success of a small business, but the evidence of sound strategic management (as taught in universities and business schools) is not present in successful SME’s, one could question the way strategic management is conceptualised. The study thus aims to gather a greater understanding of strategic management – and strategy formulation practices in particular – within SME’s. The study employed a qualitative, descriptive design with semi-structured interviews conducted with 12 SME owners in Gauteng. Findings reveal that the majority of participants were in favour of and supported the notion of having a strategy for small and medium enterprises, but none of them made reference to a formal process regarding strategy formation.</p><p><strong>Key words:</strong> Strategy; strategy formulation, small and medium businesses; planning; qualitative research</p>

The Factors Affecting Supplier Relationship Management in the Food Manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Dar es Salaam Tanzania

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-34
Author(s):  
Jesca Mhoja Nkwabi ◽  
Julia Fallon
Keyword(s):  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Relationship Management ◽  
Dar Es Salaam ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Supplier Relationships ◽  
Food Manufacturing ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Production Capacities

The Tanzanian food industry is one of the most critical sectors in the country. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the largest processors of food. Although SMEs mostly deal with processing food, they still face challenges, especially with their suppliers. Though previous researchers have investigated partnership issues in SMEs, little has been reported on the factors that impact the supplier relationships found in food manufacturing SMEs. This study employed a qualitative design where semi-structured interviews with 13 experts were conducted to identify the factors that impede SRM in Dar es Salaam. The findings reveal that poor relationship management, poor storage facilities, poor transportation and inadequate production capacities are the main challenges affecting SRM within these firms. To overcome these challenges, it has been recommended to improve the supplier relationships through being transparent, fostering trust and sharing quality information with the suppliers on time. Furthermore, investment in technology has been recommended to reduce costs and to enhance the information sharing between suppliers and SMEs. Government support is required with regard to financial aid and the improvement in the infrastructure to facilitate the easier flow of goods from SMEs to the customers.

scholarly journals Analysis of Managing Safety in Small Enterprises: Dual-Effects of Employee Prosocial Safety Behavior and Government Inspection

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiwei Wang ◽  
Qiang Mei ◽  
Suxia Liu ◽  
Jingjing Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Health ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Evolutionary Game ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Small Enterprises ◽  
Safety Behavior ◽  
Dynamic Simulations ◽  
External Resources ◽  
The Government ◽  
Medium Enterprises

This paper aims to promote a national and international occupational health and safety (OHS) intervention for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within internal and external resources. Based on the characteristics of small SME management, the work environment and occupational health may be positively affected by the dual-effects of employees and government. Evolutionary game theory is utilized to identify relevant interactions among the government, small enterprises, and employees. Furthermore, dynamic simulations of the evolutionary game model are used to explore stability strategies and to identify modes of equilibrium.

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